The Montreal Canadiens have already started to clear out space on their crowded blueline.
The Habs have traded defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for a 2026 fourth-round pick.
Kovacevic has spent the past two years with the Canadiens, registering nine goals and 28 points in 139 games. The 6-foot-5, 218-pound right-handed defender has spent four three years in the NHL, with all his points coming with Montreal.
Kovacevic was drafted 74th overall by the Jets in 2017. After spending three seasons with the Merrimack College of the NCAA, Kovacevic signed an entry-level contract with the Jets in 2019. He made his NHL debut with the Jets in the 2021-22 season and spent a year there before he was later claimed off waivers by the Montreal Canadiens ahead of the 2022-23 season, where he quickly became a regular part of their lineup.
Kovacevic has one year left on his contract worth $766,667.
Trading Kovacevic gives the Canadiens a bit of relief on what’s already a busy back end for the club. Lane Hutson and Logan Mailloux are expected to challenge for roster spots, and they’re already looking young with 23-year-olds Arber Xhekaj and Jordan Harris and 22-year-old Kaiden Guhle.
Of note, the Canadiens still need to give Xhekaj a new contract after the conclusion of his entry-level deal. Chris Wideman, Arnaud Durandeau, Philippe Maillet, Mitchell Stephens and Brady KEeper are set to become UFAs this summer, with all but Wideman being AHLers.
